The First Low Rider Ever?

Join Steven and Bobby and discover the rare 1912 American Underslung Type 34 Tourist, a masterpiece from the brass era, and they even take it for a drive! The American Underslung stands out for its revolutionary design, flipping the chassis upside down to lower the car’s center of gravity, giving it unmatched stability. While most cars of the time resembled high-riding wagons, the Underslung was ahead of its time, boasting better handling and safety. It was said that you could tilt the car up to 55 degrees before it rolled over—a major selling point in an era of unpredictable roads. Subscribe here for more!    / @fountainheadmuseum   More about the Underslung: Powering this 1912 model is a 318 cubic-inch T-head engine, producing 30 horsepower. Built by Teeter Harley, the T-head configuration places intake valves on one side and exhaust valves on the other for improved efficiency. While 30 horsepower may seem modest today, it was impressive in the early 20th century, making this car a true powerhouse for its time. The engine also features primer cups for easier cold starts, along with an air compressor system that pressurizes the fuel tank, further showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the era. Design-wise, the Underslung is as eye-catching as it is innovative. Its oversized 38-inch rims are nothing short of spectacular, earning it a place among the largest wheels ever fitted to a car. These massive wheels lift the car high enough to make the underslung chassis possible. Add to that the striking brass details, including the gleaming eagle motifs on the hood and radiator cap, and this car is a bold statement of American craftsmanship. Before electric headlights became standard, cars like this 1912 model used acetylene gas lamps, which required lighting with a match. This Underslung represents one of the last cars made with a crank-start system before electric starters took over, making it a piece of living history. The American Motor Car Company, based in Indianapolis, produced around 45,000 cars from 1906 to 1913, with only about 4,000 being underslung models. However, only around 30 are known to survive today, making this car incredibly rare. The example in the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum underwent a multi-year restoration, completed in 2016 by Alan Schmidt of Horseless Carriage. Schmidt's meticulous work has made this car one of the most valuable in the museum's collection, with recent auction prices exceeding $1 million. The American Motor Car Company couldn’t sustain its business despite its rarity and historic significance. In 1913, the company went bankrupt, but its legacy lives on in models like the Underslung, which embodied the motto “a car for the discriminating few.” Driving this car is an experience like no other. Despite its early 20th-century origins, the Underslung offers a surprisingly smooth ride. Its low center of gravity, massive wheels, and clever engineering provide excellent handling and visibility. The fenders sit higher than the engine, giving the driver an unobstructed view of the road, a rarity in cars of this time. Come see the 1912 American Underslung Type 34 Tourist at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and discover a car that redefined early automotive design. With only a few surviving examples left in the world, this car is a true piece of automotive history, representing a turning point in engineering and luxury. Visit us at the to see this rare piece of #history in action. Our living #museum brings #vintage cars to life, offering an immersive experience. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating stories and automotive adventures. Don't forget to subscribe to our growing channel:    / @fountainheadmuseum   Thanks for your support! #classiccars #automobile #vintagecars #automotiveindustry #automotivehistory #carculture #museummoment